Franz Hirtzberger Winery

Franz Hirtzberger is a family winery in Spitz that focuses on white grapes, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling in the Wachau Valley. The vineyards sit on sloped terrain above the Danube, where grapes develop distinctive flavors before undergoing aging in wooden barrels.

The winery traces back five generations and grows from foundations dating to the 13th century, when the site served early agricultural purposes. A modern cellar was added around 2000 to increase production and storage capabilities.

The winery shapes daily life in Spitz through its traditional buildings and visible wine production, which connects the community to generations of local knowledge. Visitors experience how wine here is woven into the rhythm and identity of the village.

Wear sturdy shoes when visiting, as the vineyard terrain is steep and pathways can be uneven underfoot. Sun protection and light clothing work well since much of the experience involves walking through open terraced slopes.

Some vineyard parcels are so steeply sloped that harvesting must still be done by hand, as machinery cannot operate safely on these slopes. This labor-intensive approach preserves the quality and character of the wines produced.